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2017/18 Transfers - A lot of players left and a lot of players came in.Some of those who left,I wanted to keep when I took over but they were not interested in negotiating a new contract so off they went.Those who left in February were causing problems and harming the squad's harmony,there contracts were up in June 2018 so I let them go early to solve the problem.A lot of players came in to replace the ones who left but also to leave my print on the club,my aim was to be top half and to possibly challenge 3rd place which was a playoff spot.I actually managed to use the entire transfer budget up so I would definitely need to meet the boards expectations!

Competitions3. fußball liga - League Table - All I can really say is that was much easier then I was originally expecting.We set new records for points and goals scored in what was a brilliant season.We averaged at 2.7 goals per game while conceding 0.9 which showed that our defence was excellent while our attacking was pretty much unstoppable at times.Our biggest win of the season was 7-0 against Werder ll who also set a new record...for goals conceded,they only conceded 167 which I think is a record that won't be beat!

Players,Stats and AwardsPascal Breier was the clubs top scorer smashing the previous record of 17 by scoring 23 in 34 appearances!He has proved to be a bargain at £55k,he looks like he should be able to do more of the same at a higher level and will definitely get a chance at doing so next season.He probably would have hit 25 games if it wasn't for suspension and injuries!

Ante Mihaljevic topped the assist chart with a club record of 17 but also chipped in with a very impressive 18 goals in 36 appearances,all from the AMR position.He was the top performer averaging at 7.63 which helped contribute to him winning Spieler des Jahres!

Special mentions to Anderson Bamba and Stian Ringstad who both played their absolute best during the season.Bamba was a rock in defence who we did miss when he was injured or suspended,he also took a paycut as well which is pleasing.Ringstad was pretty much unstoppable in the AML position as he scored 9 times as well as contributing with 16 assists which helped him pick up five man of the match awards during the season.

Overview
I was not actually anticipating a season that turned out to be that easy!We topped the table at the start of the season and we topped it at the end to clinch not just promotion but the title as well.We set records for goals scored as well points total,I'm not actually to bothered with the points we dropped as the challengers were dropping more points then us so it was like a walk in the park.I know for sure that next season will not be that easy,especially playing the teams relegated from the Bundesliga so we will see what we are truly capable of.

After the season finished,I received two offers from Mexican side Santos Laguna and MLS side New England Revolution.I managed in Mexico in FM11 and I found it to be a nightmare to start off with so maybe I'll manage in Mexico much later down the line!As for the MLS,I would only manage Toronto,Vancouver,Seattle or New York (just to keep the Red Bull connection!).I will more then likely be at RB Leipzig next season unless an absolutely ridiculous offer comes in from a big club!

Almost 8000 average attendance at the third tier, that's rather impressive. I guess your points won and goals scored are alright too But I definitely think you're capable of mounting a charge for back-to-back promotions, if you can snag the right players of course.

azeryk` - Thanks,will be interesting to see how much of a difference there is between tier 2 and tier 3!

arinceo - Was rather impressive,we had the fourth biggest average attendance (The bottom 3 had big averages!).Without doing anything,I reckon the team could get mid-table so a few signings could possibly see us challenging although we do have to deal with HSV and Cottbus who were both relegated from top flight!

noikeee - My plans for 2.Bundesliga have gone up in smoke...the most difficult thing I'm having is getting the players in!I've only managed to get two defenders in,I've got two offers for strikers in and just waiting to hear about them (1 loan and 1 permanent!).I'm hoping scouting England will come good and get us options for the wing and in goal!

Overview
Quite a few shocks in the World Cup,first major shock was the holders Germany failing to qualify after finishing 3rd in their qualifying group.The group stages saw two of the bigger European teams in Spain and France get knocked out,Spain lost 2-0 to Scotland while France lost 3-1 to Senegal.South America lost Uruguay and Chile early on to leave only the big two and Ecuador!

The biggest shock in the knockouts was Ghana beating Argentina in the quarter finals where Africa was represented by three nations.England won the World Cup under Italian manager Roberto di Matteo who was then sacked due to poor performances!Netherlands made it three time successive runners-up...as the saying goes....always the bridesmaid,never the bride.

2018/19 Pre-Season Transfers - Quite a few left as they were either not good enough or were causing disruption and affecting squad harmony so off they went.I would of liked to sign a few more players but what we got,I feel we will be able to avoid relegation.We managed to strengthen all position with exception of the wing positions and right back but that can come later on in the season,hopefully in January.

Key PlayersMichael Müller - GK - Finished the season as the number one keeper at the club as he bettered his rival Stradner,conceded 16 in 22 games while he kept 9 clean sheets in the process.He has excellent goalkeeping stats although his mental stats are not brilliant which could possibly hold him back.He should be able to do the job at this level.

Daniel Hofstetter - DC - Signed from Oberhausen for £95k in the Summer.Rated at 3.5* at 2. Bundesliga level so should be able to compete at this level.I hope he can settle in well and put in some big performances whether it's make vital tackles or scoring important goals,he should be able to do well.

Korbinian Raab - DM/MC - Was one of last season's one to watch players,he performed brilliantly and as improved alot.He currently is rated as a decent Bundesliga player and has the potential to be a leading Bundesliga player.He plays as the more defensive MC which does more of the efficient work.A thing to note is that he came from RB Leipzig's youth facilities.

Kagan Söylemezgiller - MC - With Raab playing a key role in the defensive MC position,Söylemezgiller was moved into the more attacking role.He didn't do too bad when he played but only managed to make 24 appearances due to injuries (groin strain being the worst - 3 weeks out!).Hopefully he can stay clear of injuries this season as he is a very capable player who averaged at 7.05 last season.

Admir Becirovic - ST - The big money signing for the season,was released on a free by Bayern Munich and has the potential to play as a good Bundesliga player.A product of Bayern's academy,he has not been given a fair chance.He will get that here and I feel he will be able to do the job as he is fairly ambitious and is the strongest forward in the team.

One to WatchJorginho - DC/DM - A product of Stuttgart's youth system,I was made aware of him last season as he played against us twice.He was the bright spark of a very poor Stuttgart ll side,so the fact he was released was pleasing for me.He is currently the 5th best DC in the team but has the potential to be better then Hofstetter.His potential is a good Bundesliga player and with a fairly determined personality,there is no reason why he can't make it.

Pre-Season Overview
I am pleased with what we have managed to do in pre-season as the toughest part was getting players in.We strengthened most areas but would have like another DR,AML and AMR but we can make do with what we got.We should be able to meet the board's expectations of mid-table but not sure about finishing higher as the top sides look quite tough,especially HSV!As for the cup,the board want 2nd round....we get Werder Bremen in the 1st round,that will be a tough battle which we can win but we will have to play at our absolute best.

As for my future,I wanted to have a shot in this league with RB Leipzig so badly that I turned down an offer from Liga BBVA side Getafe even if what the Spanish side offered was nearly too good to turn down compared to the budget's here.I will get this season done,the only way I am leaving here this season is if I am sacked or relegated!

Noikeee is right,the only major competitive games in the 20th century were both in the World Cup...England won in 66 and Portugal won in 86!However when it came down to qualifiers,Four games played,one victory for England and three draws.

Can't really judge much between the two in the 20th century if there was only 6 games!

cerud - Canada beat Morocco 1-0,if they were better at finishing then they could have beat Scotland as well but fortunately for the Scots,they couldn't finish better!

AK22 - Thanks!We're currently 4th after four games having won two,drew one and lost one.If we're going off wage budget,then 11th would be an acceptable place as we are spending £6.27 million a year (HSV are 1st in the salary per annum table with £17.92 million!)

DFB-Pokal - Lost in first round to Werder Bremen which can be summed up in three parts.Good-Drew 3-3 with Werder Bremen...Bad - Lost on penalties...Ugly - Their equalizer came in the 6th minute of injury time when there was only supposed to be five!

Mid-Season Overview
Other then the DFB-Pokal,I have no complaints as it as been nothing short of a fantastic season.I was expecting an increase in ability of the opposition players but we have easily matched them and that even includes HSV who were relegated from the Bundesliga last season (good performance but we lost 3-2!).My players have been solid this season with the stand out player being Admir Becirovic,for the £12k a week he is on,he has rewarded us with 13 goals in 14 appearances and has now been fully capped by Bosnia!

I may bring in some free transfers due to the fact that we have managed to get rid of a player who was on £11.75k a week thanks to the previous manager.The main priority will be to bring in a DR as that is the weakest area in the team but will be also looking for a AMR and a AML,if I can get them for around £3k p.w then it will be even better as I will still be under budget!

As for me,I've rejected four offers to manage in the Czech Republic (Banik Ostrava,Jablonec,Jihlava and Sokolov),three in Romania (CFR Cluj,U Cluj and Gaz Metan) and one from the MLS which was Columbus Crew.Was favourite for the Seattle Sounders job which is one of the teams I wanted to manage but as I am doing so well at RB Leipzig,I wanted to stay to see if I could do the unthinkable and get promoted.If we were doing very badly then I'd probably would have took it.

It is nice to get offers but none interested me,would love it to get a Vancouver or Toronto offer but none have come up yet with me being linked!Saying that I wouldn't mind managing Wellington in the A-League either

cerud - Thanks! We're looking good after 22 games as we have a 10 point lead the nearest team :d

To help my promotion bid,we have just signed the Bosnian Number 1 on a free transfer

Coach reports say he is at 5* Current ability and has the potential to be a leading Bundesliga Player so all I can say is what a coup!Also signing U.S.A International Jonathan Spector on a Bosman in the summer so I'm starting to think ahead for next season!

Thanks....the good news is that we got promotion....the bad news is that it crashed dumped on the 1st June...better news is that we only have to play the last game again then I'll save it every week to make sure that doesn't happen again!

Tempting offer but depends on the squad really. If they are all in the twilight of their careers, £45m isn't going to go far. Looks like you could build a very good reputation at Leipzig and I'd be tempted to stay TBH.

Out of a squad of 26,seven are over 30,four are 30 with the rest being between 19-29.My only problem is that this the offer after delaying it and I haven't seen the budgets for next season with RB Leipzig!

I wouldn't take the job at Chelsea, simply because of my personal dislike for them. However, it could be a good career move for you, moving to a club with a higher reputation, and you'd get a shot at some major silverware soon.

It depends how you deal with going to a really big club on a worldwide scale. I never liked managing the Man Utds, Reals, Barcas because the squad seems set and even if you win you're only doing what you supposed to be. It's a lot of fun having big clubs on a national scale (like Zenit, Shakhtar, Galatasaray, Stuttgart) because it's really a challenge to win a Champions League title with them.

2018/19 Transfers - This is a first for me on FM....we actually made a profit on transfers although it was not by choice.The board sold youth product Korbinian Raab for what I can describe as a poor amount but it's my own fault for not negotiating it higher instead of rejecting all offers!.The rest who left didn't have a future under me and left the club as I need to start getting better quality players in.Those who came in were much higher quality and especially Begovic who is rated as a leading Bundesliga player!With Raab leaving,I managed to bring in Taner Kart who seems to be a very good player who has the potential ability to be a leading Bundesliga Player,quite shocked he was playing in the 2nd tier of Turkish football!

Competitions2.Bundesliga - League Table - This was a truly brilliant season in which our whole team performed admirably.I was expecting this to be a lot tougher then it actually was and to finish 12 points ahead of HSV who relegated from the Bundesliga last season was astonishing.We set a new record for points with 76,however we did not come close to breaking Hertha BSC's record of 123 goals in 1980/81!We provided the fans with great entertainment such as our 6-4 victory against Aachen.Our biggest wins were 7-0 vs Duisburg and 6-0 vs Augsburg (What a game to win the title in!)

DFB Pokal - 1st Round - I am very bitter about this dthenefeat even if it was to a top flight team.3-2 up,5 minutes of injury time played...they then go and score in the 6th minute before losing on penalties.I had to sympathise with this players as we did do enough to win the game but had no luck which you need at times,was a brave performance so I am happy with the effort they put in!

Players,Stats and AwardsAdmir Becirovic was the top scorer hitting a very impressive 22 goals in 31 appearances.Would of featured in all games but missed three due to international call ups.All I can say is ignore his international goal scoring as the Bosnia manager only brings him on has a sub!His first season for us was nothing short of brilliant,he showed what he could do at that level and next season,we will get to see if he can do it in the top flight!

Stian Ringstad topped the assist chart with 16 in 28 appearances as well as chipping in with 5 goals.I have to be honest,before the start of the season I was worried about him being the weak link in my front four but he put those worries to rest after the first game of the season.He is solid and he is consistent so can always rely on him although injuries did rob him of more playing time this season.

My special mention goes to Pascal Breier who performed brilliantly throughout the season even if they were outshone by Becirovic.Brier scored 12 times in 31 appearances which includd the fantastic double he scored against Werder in the cup,he also came up with 8 assists which highlighted his teamwork up front as most assists came as he set up Becirovic as he was the teams main finisher.

Overview
Nothing much to say,we were the surprise package from start to finish and deserved to win the title as we were the more consistent side even if HSV did do the double over us.We were very impressive at times but in the odd game,we played badly but most of the time we rode our luck and managed to get something out of a game.The cup result was a joke,we were robbed and had no luck in the penalty shoot out but I will be out looking for revenge next season and hopefully we can have some sort of cup run.With being promoted to the Bundesliga,things will be more difficult and I have to say this now that the board have let me down....£2.5million transfer budget and £150k p.w wage budget (which is what I am on now!),we will be in for a very difficult time next season.

I will be here next season but I know it will be tough,my contract is up next summer and I've not been offered a new one yet so we will see where I am next summer unless I get sacked.I've rejected numerous offers from Chelsea,Bolton,Houston,Freiburg,Morelia and Racing Club so trying to remain loyal,not going to think too far ahead for now as we will need to focus on each game as it comes so can't be getting too distracted with offers that don't give too much improvement.(Unless it's Toronto or Vancouver!)

offen94 -Thanks!Not altering much...just players,if I'm going out then I'm going out in style 4-2-4 all out attack

cerud - Thanks!It would have but by looking at the Chelsea squad,they were blowing huge amounts on average players.With Leipzig....it's the rise of the East Germans...coming to annoy the West German clubs

Originally they gave me a £2.7 million transfer budget and £150k p/w for wages.I bugged the board for extra transfer budget but didn't give it me.However,I also bugged for extra wage budget and they raised it to £350k p.w! With adjustments for the new season,it worked it out to £5.5 million and £271k p.w which has been a lot more helpful.

2019/20 Pre-Season Transfers - I let players go who were not going to feature and also those who were not playing as much who were on a bigger wage as I originally needed free up the budget.Not sure how we got £350k for Bieler as he was pretty rubbish,thank god they can't get a refund.Tuncay Deniz was a whiner so let him join a club on a free just to get his wages off the books.I've bought in seven players who were enormously improve the quality at our disposal,all we are lackin at the moment is a natural RB and a CB but for what I've bought in,I can say I am very happy with the dealings!

Key PlayersAsmir Begovic - GK - Signed on a free last season in which I still can't believe we managed to pull off a coup like that!The part of last season he played in,he was solid and conceded less then we normally do.He conceded 8 goals in 9 appearances while he kept 3 clean sheets in the process.For the new season,I am hoping his experience will come into play and show why he was rated as a leading Bundesliga player.

Dalibor Majer - DR,WBR/DL - Versatile fullback who was signed from FK Austria Wien for £925k.He is a natural in both fullback positions so he will be playing at DL as we have adequate cover at DR.His progress has stalled somewhat due to Austria Wien not playing him in the first team but still has a PA of 4.5*.If he can reach his potential then he should be able to break into the Serbian national team,he will be getting first team action here so I am hoping that this will help his development.

Mohammed Al-Mazroui - DC - Comes to RB Leipzig with the honour of being one of Qatar's star players.Has a CA of 3.5* so he will walk straight into the first team as the number one DC,his PA is 4.5* so he has the ability to become one of the best to play in Germany!Could possibly be a bargain at £800k even if an ex-player thinks he is too expensive but we will see.

Taner Kart - MC - Picked up for a bargain £170k last season from Kayseri Erciyesspor.He had his problem in settling in but he seems to be over that now so he should play better in the new season.He is rated at 3* CA but has a PA of 4.5* which shows he has the potential of being a leading player.Kart will play the more defensive of my two MC's,with everything that he has shown,my only concern is how on Earth has he not been capped by Turkey u21!

Hiroki Gonda - MC/AMC - I find it hard not to get excited by him even if he is one of the more expensive signings.He is rated at a full 5* PA and was one of four Japanese players I scouted with the other three being rated at 4.5* PA.Gonda will play in the more attacking role in the MC positions and will partner Kart has my first choice partnership.Rated at 4* CA so other then settling in the country,there is no real reason why he won't be able to make an impact at the club.

Aleksandar Ristic - ST - Bought in for £850k from Austrian side SC Wiener Neustadt,he has come in and pushed Becirovic down to the 2nd best striker.Ristic is another player who has had his development hindered due to his previous club not giving him much first team action.The one he can guarantee is action,if he can play as well as Becirovic did last season then I see no reason why he can't break into the Bosnian Team.Also signing him has give me a Bosnian partnership up front which could be a sign of things to come for Bosnia.He is rated at 3.5* CA and is another with a PA of 4.5* which shows my scouting has paid off!

One to WatchNicky Hensel - ST - 1.5* CA,5* PA - The best Youth Player I have come through at any team this save,he came through last seasons Youth Candidate selection.It is too hard not to get excited about him as he has the potential to be the next superstar of German football!I've already gave him his debut in 2.Bundesliga in which he scored a solid rating of 6.9,he became the youngest player to make his RB Leipzig debut at 15 Years 181 days!To top my excitement off,he is labelled as the next Mario Gomez!

Overview
It's been a very solid Pre-Season in which we have accomplished a lot in a short time.The board have increased the wage budget which has helped enormously as well as increasing the Junior Coaching which should help the club for long-term future.I am happy with the players I have bought in and we should have enough to see off relegation,although I did want three other Japanese players but did have the sufficient budget to buy them all!My highlight of pre-season was beating NEC 3-1 and AZ 4-1 in which both teams played their first teams while we hadn't finished signing players so I am very happy with what I have seen.

Signed a new contract which expires 2022 so I will see this season through unless I am fired.Saying that,not had any other offers through which is probably down to the compensation fee going up.I do see myself here for the next couple of season as we have a brilliant setup and a big stadium which will help income.We are 2000-1 to win the league with Bayarn being favourites but I'm looking to push towards mid-table.As for the cup,I want to get past the first round,no more,no less which if we don't then it will be humiliating as we are playing a non-league side.As for this season...Bring it on!!!

City2000 is right, Hensel looks like a star in the making. Asmir Begovic is a phenomenal pickup, its always reassuring knowing you have solidity between the sticks. The definite star is Gonda, though - he is special.

roganp - Thanks Not played any Bundesliga games yet but our first three matches are Koln,Schalke and Hertha so it is quite a tough start!

ManUTactician247 - I checked the talent like you suggested.....I think it might be worth having a scout camped outside the Turkish FA to try and convince players to join RB Leipzig

AK22 - Thanks! I hope so but we'll need to keep morale up throughout the season.He should be soon,he seems to be equal to some of those in the u21 squad who are minimum of three years older then Hensel.

Really great job so far,I predict you will stay well clear of relegation in your first season in the Bundesliga!

It's been a surprising start,Drew with Koln,Somehow beat Schalke 3-1 and drew with Hertha Berlin,both draws were where we were the away team.If you told me before the season started that we'd have 5 points from the first three games then I would of laughed at you

Eight years from Indonesia's second tier to the Bundesliga. I can't speak for anyone else, I'm terrible at all versions of FM, but that seems mighty impressive to me.
Early points, with he chance to improve your side in the areas that show up as needing it - not a bad start in the big leagues.

Thanks I did sacrifice a chance to manage in the top tier of Spain before the start of the 2.Bundesliga as well as taking a step down from England's nPower Championship to manage in 3.liga.

Don't think there will much improvement in the areas I need unless the board give us more money.After 7 games we are currently 4th with 14 points,behind Leverkusen,Stuttgart (we lost 2-1 to them) and Kaiserslauten...Bayern Munich are doing quite poorly sitting in 14th at the moment!

DFB-Pokal - We've made it to the 3rd Round where we have a home tie against Mainz which I am confident that we can beat them.We beat non-league side Dachau 10-0 in the first round before disposing of Duisburg 5-1 in the 2nd Round.For some reason our 3rd Round game isn't being played till the 1st January 2020 and most of the other 3rd round ties have been played.My only major concern about this competition is that Leverkusen are still in it!

Mid-Season Overview
If someone had told me that we would be fighting it out with the like of Bayern Munich,Dortmund and Wolfsburg for a Champions League spot then I would of undoubtedly laughed at you but here we are at the half way point sitting in 5th!We had a mini period of games 8-11 where we didn't win but other then that we have played brilliantly,my highlight probably beating Wolfsburg 4-1 at the Red Bull Arena.We could have been 3rd if it wasn't for a dodgy decision when we played Bayern as we had a goal ruled out for offside which I don't think it was,that disallowed goal cost us victory as we drew 2-2.

Pleased with our Cup run so far,we are in the 3rd Round against Mainz which is at our ground,the victors will play 2.Bundesliga side Frankfurt which again is a winnable game so we could potentially get to the semi-final before facing a big team.I am thinking of putting the cup first priority as the Winners will get a place in Europa League which will be a bonus in our first season and is very achievable as the likes of Dortmund and Bayern Munich are out of the competition.

Will definitely be staying here as this club has massive potential,I've already rejected offers from Mainz and Freiburg this season so I have no reason to go.Will be here at Leipzig when my contract finishes in 2022 so we will see where to go from there.